Rabbiteye blueberry plant named ‘T-1101’

ABSTRACT

The new variety ‘T-1101’ ripens around late May in southern Georgia and mid June in middle Georgia. The fruit of the new variety ‘T-1101’ are very large, firm, have good flavor and scar. The new variety ‘T-1101’ is vigorous with an estimated chilling requirement of about 400 to 450 hours at or below approximately 7° C. The asexually reproduced variety is reliably propagated vegetatively.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY-SPONSORED RESEARCH

This invention was made, in part, with U.S. Government support on behalfof U.S. Department of Agriculture, Hatch Act Grant No. GEO 01663. TheU.S. Government has certain rights in this invention.

Latin name of the genus and species of the plant claimed: ‘T-1101’ is arabbiteye blueberry plant that is a Vaccinium ashei.

Variety denomination: The new rabbiteye blueberry plant claimed is ofthe variety denominated ‘T-1101’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the discovery of a new and distinctcultivar of rabbiteye blueberry plant botanically known as a Vacciniumashei and herein referred to as ‘T-1101’, as herein described andillustrated.

The new blueberry plant variety ‘T-1101’ was selected in Griffin, Ga. in2007. The new variety ‘T-1101’ ripens around late May in southernGeorgia. The fruit of the new variety ‘T-1101’ are large, with favorablefirmness and good flavor. The new variety ‘T-1101’ has good yield and isvigorous with an estimated chilling requirement of about 400-450 hoursat or below 7° C.

Pedigree and history: ‘T-1101’ was selected in 2007 in Griffin, Ga.,originating from seed of open pollinated ‘Vernon’ fruit collected by Dr.Scott NeSmith in 2004. The maternal parent, ‘Vernon’, is a 2004 releaseand the subject of U.S. Plant Pat. No. 18,291. The paternal parent isunknown. ‘T-1101’ was first asexually propagated by softwood cutting inGriffin, Ga. commencing in 2007. The new ‘T-1101’ selection has beentested in plantings in Alapaha and Griffin, Ga. since 2009. This newvariety has also recently been asexually propagated by tissue culture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The new blueberry plant variety ‘T-1101’ has not been observed under allpossible environmental conditions. The phenotype may vary somewhat withvariations in environment and cultural practices such as temperature andlight intensity without, however, any variance in genotype.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed in the original plantand in asexually propagated plants of the new variety, propagated bysoftwood cuttings, growing in Alapaha and Griffin Ga., and aredetermined to be the unique firmly fixed combination of characteristicsof the new blueberry plant variety ‘T-1101’:

-   -   1. Large berry size;    -   2. Favorable scar;    -   3. Good berry flavor;    -   4. Favorable berry firmness.

The new variety ‘T-1101’ can be compared to the rabbiteye blueberryvarieties ‘T-959’ which is the subject of U.S. Plant Pat. No. 24,135),‘Vernon’ (the subject of U.S. Plant Pat. No. 18,291), and ‘Alapaha’ (thesubject of U.S. Plant Pat. No. 16,266).

Comparison: The selection ripens with ‘Vernon’ and ‘Alapaha’ in theearly Georgia rabbiteye season. ‘T-1101’ has large, firm berries withgood flavor as compared to ‘T-959’, ‘Vernon’ and ‘Alapaha’ standardsgrowing in Alapaha and Griffin, Ga. over a 4-year period (Tables 1 and2). Table 3 describes berry weight, firmness and Brix for ‘T-1101’ ascompared to the ‘Alapaha’, ‘Vernon’, and ‘T-959’ rabbiteye blueberrycultivars for the years 2012-2013. ‘T-1101’ had larger berry weight than‘Alapaha’ and ‘Vernon’ and comparable berry weight to ‘T-959’. ‘T-1101’had the highest Brix compared with ‘Vernon’ and ‘T-959’. Table 4describes the berry weight and yield for ‘T-1101’ compared to ‘Vernon’for the years 2013 to 2014. Over the two year period of observation,‘T-1101’ had greater average yield per bush than ‘Vernon’. ‘T-1101’ isslightly to moderately susceptible to fruit splitting.

The major attraction of ‘T-1101’ is its large berry size, allowing formore efficient hand harvesting than exhibited by other rabbiteyevarieties. ‘T-959’ and ‘T-1101’ can be used for pollinating each other.

TABLE 1 4-year average ratings of some fruit and plant characteristicsof ‘T-1101’ and standard cultivars ‘Alapaha’, ‘Vernon’, and ‘T-959’ from2011-2014 in field test plots at Alapaha, GA. Rating scales are based ona 1 to 10 score, with 1 being the least desirable and 10 being the mostdesirable. A value of 6-7 is generally considered to be the minimumacceptable rating for a commercial cultivar. These plants wereestablished in 2009. Berry and plant Alapaha location attributes^(1/)‘T-1101’ ‘Alapaha’ ‘Vernon’ ‘T-959’ Berry size 9.3 ± 0.1 6.3 ± 0.1 7.9 ±0.1 8.9 ± 0.2 Berry scar 7.4 ± 0.2 7.4 ± 0.1 7.2 ± 0.1 7.5 ± 0.2 Berrycolor 7.2 ± 0.2 6.7 ± 0.1 7.1 ± 0.1 7.0 ± 0.1 Berry firmness 7.8 ± 0.16.9 ± 0.1 7.5 ± 0.2 8.3 ± 0.2 Berry flavor 7.2 ± 0.1 7.1 ± 0.1 7.3 ± 0.16.8 ± 0.1 Cropping 6.1 ± 0.5 6.8 ± 1.0 4.5 ± 0.9 5.2 ± 0.8 Plant vigor8.6 ± 0.1 8.0 ± 0.3 9.2 ± 0.3 9.5 ± 0.3 Date of 50% March 16 March 26March 21 March 24 flowering Date of 50% May 28 June 4 June 1 June 2ripening Fruit development 78 ± 3.7 73 ± 2.0 75 ± 3.0 75 ± 1.6 period(days) ^(1/)Values are means ± the standard error with n = 4.

TABLE 2 4-year average ratings of some fruit and plant characteristicsof ‘T-1101’ and standard cultivars ‘Alapaha’, ‘Vernon’, and ‘T-959’(2011-2014) in field test plots at Griffin, GA. Rating scales are basedon a 1 to 10 score, with 1 being the least desirable and 10 being themost desirable. A value of 6-7 is generally considered to be the minimumacceptable rating for a commercial cultivar. These plants wereestablished in 2009. Berry and plant Griffin location attributes^(1/)‘T-1101’ ‘Alapaha’ ‘Vernon’ ‘T-959’ Berry size 8.7 ± 0.2 6.5 ± 0.2 7.7 ±0.1 8.8 ± 0.3 Berry scar 7.4 ± 0.1 7.3 ± 0.1 7.1 ± 0.1 7.6 ± 0.4 Berrycolor 7.3 ± 0.3 7.0 ± 0.1 7.2 ± 0.1 7.1 ± 0.1 Berry firmness 7.4 ± 0.16.9 ± 0.1 7.5 ± 0.2 8.5 ± 0.3 Berry flavor 7.1 ± 0.2 7.3 ± 0.2 7.5 ± 0.27.0 ± 0.1 Cropping 6.6 ± 0.7 7.5 ± 0.9 6.2 ± 0.5 7.1 ± 1.0 Plant vigor7.4 ± 0.4 7.5 ± 0.3 8.8 ± 0.1 9.5 ± 0.2 Date of 50% March 24 April 1April 2 April 3 flowering Date of 50% June 16 June 13 June 13 June 18ripening Fruit development 84 ± 1.9 76 ± 1.6 76 ± 2.1 80 ± 3.9 period(days) ^(1/)Values are means ± the standard error with n = 4.

TABLE 3 Berry weight, firmness, and Brix for ‘Alapaha’, ‘Vernon’, and‘T-959’ cultivars and ‘T-1101’ grown in Griffin, GA during 2012-2013.Year ‘T-1101’ ‘Alapaha’ ‘Vernon’ ‘T-959’ Berry wt (g/berry) ^(1/) 20122.92 ± 0.07 1.28 ± 0.06 1.60 ± 0.05 2.60 ± 0.06 2013 3.08 ± 0.10 1.63 ±0.04 2.43 ± 0.09 3.10 ± 0.08 Avg 3.0 1.46 2.01 2.85 Firmness (g/mm)^(1/) 2012 198 ± 5  175 ± 4  185 ± 4  240 ± 7  2013 168 ± 3  169 ± 4 164 ± 6  220 ± 5  Avg 183 172 175 230 Brix (%) ^(2/) 2012 12.7 ± 0.3 10.8 ± 0.4  11.5 ± 0.5  10.2 ± 0.3  2013 13.0 ± 0.5  13.2 ± 0.3  10.0 ±0.5  10.0 ± 0.1  Avg 12.9 12.0 10.8 10.1 ^(1/) Values are means ± thestandard error with n = 3 (each sample derived from 25 berry avg). ^(2/)Values are means ± the standard error with n = 3 (each sample derivedfrom 5 berry composite).

TABLE 4 Yield and berry weight ‘Vernon’ and ‘T-1101’ grown in Alapaha,GA during 2012-2013. Year ‘T-1101’ ‘Vernon’ Berry wt (g/berry) ^(1/)2013 2.75 ± 0.09 1.93 ± 0.08 2014 2.90 ± 0.08 2.14 ± 0.09 Avg 2.83 2.03Yield (lbs/plant) ^(2/) 2013 12.5 ± 0.4  9.5 ± 1.9 2014 24.0 ± 1.5  21.6± 1.3  Avg 18.3 15.6 ^(1/) Values are means ± the standard error with n= 3 (each sample derived from 25 berry avg). ^(2/) Values are means ±the standard error with n = 3.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying photographic illustrations show typical specimens infull color of the foliage, flowering, and fruit of the new variety‘T-1101’. The colors are as nearly true as is reasonably possible in acolor representation of this type.

FIG. 1 is a photograph of a five year old plant of the new variety‘T-1101’ during flowering in Alapaha, Ga.

FIG. 2 is a photograph of a three year old plant of the new variety‘T-1101’ during fruit ripening in Alapaha, Ga.

FIG. 3 is a close up photograph of a fruit cluster of a three year oldplant of the new variety ‘T-1101’.

FIG. 4 is a photograph of harvested fruit of the new variety ‘T-1101’

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

Throughout this specification, color names beginning with a small lettersignify that the name of that color, as used in common speech, is aptlydescriptive. Color names beginning with a capital letter designatevalues based upon The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart, 5^(th)edition (hereinafter R.H.S.) published by The Royal HorticulturalSociety, London, England.

The following is a detailed description of the botanical and pomologicalcharacteristics of the new variety ‘T-1101’. Where dimensions, sizes,colors, and other characteristics are given, it is to be understood thatsuch characteristics are approximations and averages set forth asaccurately as practicable. The descriptions reported herein are largelyfrom observations of specimen plants grown in Alapaha and Griffin, Ga.,with supplemental irrigation. The observed plants were about 4 to about5 years old.

PLANT

-   Size: 1.6 to 2.2 m tall by about 4 years of age. The plant crown, or    base, is narrow, typically 15 to 30 cm in diameter. Upper portion of    plant canopy exceeds 1.2 to 1.5 m in diameter by 4 years.-   Growth habit: Strongly upright, with 3 to 5 main canes arising from    a narrow crown, and multiple branching of shoots from those canes at    15 cm or more above the soil surface.-   Growth: Highly vigorous.-   Productivity: High crop and yield, averaging 15 to 20 lbs of fruit    per plant each year for plants 4 years and older grown under well    fertilized and irrigated field conditions.-   Hardiness: Similar to other rabbiteye cultivars such as ‘Vernon’ and    ‘T-959’.-   Chilling requirement: 400-450 hours of temperatures at or below    7° C. (about 45° F.) to induce normal leafing and flowering during    the spring under conventional production systems. The chill    requirement is less than the maternal parent ‘Vernon’ (500-550 hours    of chilling required).-   Leafing: Plants tend to break sufficient leaf buds simultaneously    with, or shortly after, anthesis.-   Canes:    -   -   Diameter.—20 to 35 mm for base of main canes that are about            4 years old and older. 10 to 15 mm in about 2 year old wood.            5 to 10 mm in current season wood.        -   Color.—Greyed-Green RHS 197C for base of canes that are            about 4 years old and older. Yellow-Green RHS 144B            transitioning to Greyed-Brown RHS 199B in about 2 year old            wood. Yellow-Green RHS 144B in current season wood.-   Disease resistance: No exceptional disease resistance or    susceptibility observed; typical for rabbiteye ‘Vernon’ and ‘T-959’.    The variety shows a tendency for some fruit cracking during maturity    following certain rain conditions.

FOLIAGE

-   Leaf color: Healthy mature leaves.    -   -   Top side.—Green RHS 137B to Green RHS 137C.        -   Under side.—Green RHS 138B to Green RHS 138C.-   Leaf arrangement: Alternate, simple.-   Leaf shape: Lanceolate to oblanceolate.-   Leaf surface: Both upper and lower leaf surfaces are glaucous.-   Leaf margins: Crenate to serrulate, smooth.-   Leaf venation: Pinnate with slight netting.-   Leaf apices: Narrowly acute to acuminate.-   Leaf bases: Cuneate.-   Leaf dimensions:    -   -   Length.—50.0 to 65.0 mm.        -   Width.—20.0 to 25.0 mm.-   Petioles: Small.    -   -   Length.—2.5 to 3.0 mm.        -   Width.—1.5 to 2.0 mm.        -   Color.—Yellow-Green RHS 144D.

FLOWERS

-   Date of 50% anthesis: March 16 in southern Georgia and March 24 in    middle Georgia (4 year average).-   Flower shape: Urceolate to tubular.-   Flower bud number: High, averaging 6 to 9 buds per fruiting shoot.-   Flowers per cluster: 7 to 9 common.-   Flower fragrance: None.-   Corolla:    -   -   Color.—White RHS 155C to White RHS NN155C (open flower).        -   Length.—8.5 to 9.5 mm.        -   Width.—5.5 to 6.5 mm.        -   Aperture width.—2.5 to 3.0 mm.-   Flower peduncle:    -   -   Length.—5.0 to 6.5 mm.        -   Color.—Yellow-Green RHS 145D.-   Flower pedicel:    -   -   Length.—3.0 to 3.5 mm.        -   Color.—Green RHS 138C.-   Calyx (with sepals):    -   -   Diameter.—4.0 to 4.5 mm.        -   Color.—Green RHS 138B (lower surface is the calyx, upper            surface is the ovary, both are Green RHS 138B).-   Sepal:    -   -   Shape.—More or less triangular.        -   Number.—Typically 5, fused about halfway down.        -   Length.—0.8 to 1.4 mm.        -   Width.—1.0 to 1.5 mm.        -   Apex.—Most are typically rounded, sometimes lightly pointed            tips are observed.        -   Margins.—Smooth.        -   Texture.—Mostly smooth, both surfaces.-   Stamen:    -   -   Length.—8.5 to 9.0 mm.        -   Number per flower.—10.        -   Filament color.—Green-White RHS 157B to 157C.-   Style:    -   -   Length.—8.5 to 9.5 mm.        -   Color.—Yellow-Green RHS 138D.-   Pistil:    -   -   Length.—11.0 to 12.0 mm.        -   Ovary color (exterior).—Green RHS 138B.-   Anther:    -   -   Length.—4.0 to 4.5 mm.        -   Number.—10.        -   Color.—Greyed-Orange RHS 165B.-   Pollen:    -   -   Abundance.—Medium to high.        -   Color.—Yellow-White RHS 158A.-   Self-compatibility: The cultivar has a small degree of    self-compatibility.

FRUIT

-   Date of 50% maturity: May 28 in southern Georgia and June 16 in    middle Georgia (4 year average).-   Fruit development period: 74 to 84 days.-   Berry color:    -   -   With wax.—Violet-Blue RHS 97C.        -   With wax removed.—Black RHS 202A.-   Berry surface wax abundance: High.-   Berry flesh color: White RHS NN155A.-   Berry weight:    -   -   First harvest.—2.3 g to 3.6 g.        -   Second harvest.—2.0 g to 2.8 g.-   Berry size:    -   -   Height from calyx to scar.—13.0 to 17.0 mm.        -   Diameter.—16.0 to 21.0 mm.-   Berry shape: Semi-spherical.-   Fruit stem scar: Medium, dry, no tearing at harvest.-   Calyx: Depth 4.0 to 5.0 mm; width 6.0 to 8.0 mm; sepals generally    not present.-   Berry firmness: Very good.-   Berry flavor and texture: Flavor is good, texture is good; firm skin    and berry flesh.-   Berry cluster: Depends upon fruit set, typically four to six.-   Storage quality: Very good.-   Suitability for mechanical harvesting: Likely very suitable.-   Uses: Can be used as fresh fruit for shipping, but also    customer-pick and processing markets.-   Harvest date averages: First harvest date is May 20^(th) in South    Georgia. Second harvest date is May 28^(th) in South Georgia and    June 16^(th) in Middle Georgia.

SEED

-   Seed abundance in fruit: Medium to high, with 15 or more fully    developed seeds per berry.-   Seed color: Greyed-Orange RHS 165B.-   Seed dry weight: 49.3 mg per 100 seeds.-   Seed size: 1.4 to 1.8 mm long; 0.7 to 1.0 mm wide for fully    developed seeds.

What is claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct variety of rabbiteye blueberryplant named ‘T-1101’, substantially as illustrated and described herein.